The department offers two taught degrees, namely the MA in Hebrew and Jewish Studies, and the MA in Holocaust Studies, as well as the research degrees of MPhil and PhD.

The MA degrees

The MA (Master of Arts) in the department is a self-standing degree, but may also serve as preparation for the research degrees of MPhil and PhD. The MA is appropriate either for students with a broad undergraduate background in this area who wish to focus their knowledge more closely, or for students with a different undergraduate experience who wish to make progress in the areas of Hebrew, Yiddish, Semitic or Jewish Studies. The MA programme, which begins in September, is one calendar year in length, or two years if taken part time. Although it contains an element of research work, the MA is primarily a taught degree, which means that students attend courses which they select from amongst all the courses taught in the department in any given year. Candidates also write a thesis, based on an independent research project. They are examined on all this work at the end of the academic year.

The majority of classes in the department are open to advanced undergraduates as well as graduates. In such classes, known as 'non-dedicated classes', graduates are required to submit a piece of written work, to be marked, returned and discussed with the student.

MA degree in Hebrew and Jewish Studies

Candidates for the MA in Hebrew and Jewish Studies select three courses of specialisation. These may be drawn from one or more of the following general areas of study:

· Bible

· Hebrew, Aramaic, and Northwest Semitic Philology

· Rabbinic Literature

· Medieval Hebrew Literature

· Jewish Philosophy and Mysticism

· Jewish History

· Modern Hebrew Language and Literature

· Yiddish Language and Literature

· Other Jewish Languages.

Candidates are assessed by a final, comprehensive written examination in two of their three areas of taught work. In the third area, they may either take a further examination, or submit written work, totalling from 7,500 to 10,000 words.

They are also required to write a thesis of approximately 10,000 words which should be based in part on primary sources. Further details appear below.

MA degree in Holocaust Studies

Candidates for the MA in Holocaust Studies take the following courses:

· Graduate Seminar in Holocaust Studies

· One elective course in Modern Jewish History

· One appropriate elective course from offerings of the department

The courses selected have to be approved by the Graduate Tutor.

Candidates are assessed on their studies in the Graduate Seminar through written work. Each of the two other areas will be assessed by a final, comprehensive written examination.

Candidates are also required to write a thesis of approximately 10,000 words, which should be based in part on primary sources. Further details appear below.

The MA programme has developed links with a number of institutions which allow MA candidates to receive work experience and training, or to pursue research at the Holocaust Educational Trust, the Imperial War Museum's new Holocaust exhibition, at Beth Shalom Holocaust Education Centre, and at the London Metropolitan Archives.

Details of assessment

The basic means of assessment for the MA degree in Hebrew and Jewish Studies, and for the MA degree in Holocaust Studies, are set out above.

The submission deadline for all written work except the thesis is the end of the first week of the third term.

All work, including essays, written assignments and the dissertation, is marked on a numerical scale. For graduate work, 50 is the minimum pass mark. Marks at 70 or above are considered to be in the range of 'distinction'.

Candidates who complete their work with an overall average of 70 or above receive their degree 'with distinction'. Candidates whose work averages from 50 to 69 receive a 'pass'. Should any component of a candidate's degree receive a mark of 49 or below, the candidate has the option of resitting the examination or resubmitting the written work in that component.

The mark for work in non-dedicated classes will be considered only in the event of a borderline mark on the candidate's examination for that class.

The Board of Examiners for the MA degree meets twice a year to confirm candidates' marks: in July for examinations and written work, and in November for the thesis. The College conducts graduation ceremonies for graduate students in September of each academic year.

MA thesis

The thesis for both MA degrees is approximately 10,000 words in length. Ordinarily, it will make some use of primary sources. The topic of the dissertation will be agreed upon by the candidate and a member of staff of the department, who will be designated as the candidate's Thesis Supervisor. MA candidates should report their supervisor's name and their topic to the Graduate Tutor, who can also advise MA candidates on the choice of supervisor.

The submission deadline for the thesis is 30 September of the candidate's final year. A copy of all other written work, including the thesis, should be handed in to the Departmental Office in three copies. All written work will be returned to candidates after the appropriate Board of Examiners' meetings. All written work must follow the guidelines of the Hebrew and Jewish Studies Departmental Style Sheet.

MA admissions

Students seeking admission to either of the MA programmes should ordinarily have achieved at least a good second-class Honours degree from a UK university (or its equivalent overseas) in an arts subject. Students with a non-arts background may be required to submit qualifying work or to sit a qualifying examination.

Candidates for admission to the MA in Hebrew and Jewish Studies must also demonstrate knowledge of either Hebrew or Yiddish. Candidates for admission to the MA in Holocaust Studies must demonstrate knowledge of a language, besides English, which would be appropriate for their area of interest.

Applicants for admission may secure the necessary forms from the Admissions and General Enquiries Office (see page 6). They may direct enquiries to the Hebrew and Jewish Studies Departmental Office, Tel: 0171-380 7171. The department ordinarily makes admissions decisions within a fortnight of receiving a complete application form. The deadline for MA degree applications is ordinarily 1 September of the year of entry.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degrees

The MPhil and PhD are research degrees for candidates with a suitable academic background who wish to pursue independent research under the supervision of a specialist in the field. The department admits candidates only if there is a member of staff who can provide the requisite supervision and assistance. In the first instance, potential applicants should consult with the Graduate Tutor.

Students registered for the MPhil programme will be required to study for a minimum of two calendar years (or three years as a part-time degree). Candidates are expected to carry out an independent research project, based in part on primary source material. MPhil candidates ordinarily submit their qualifying work in the form of a thesis of approximately 50,000 words in length.

The PhD programme takes a minimum of two calendar years but is normally three years in length. The PhD dissertation should be based substantially on primary source material and must make a substantial and original contribution to the candidate's area of study.

Research degree admissions

Applications are accepted in the first instance for the MPhil degree only. At the end of the first-year the Graduate Tutor, in consultation with the candidate's thesis Supervisor, will decide whether or not to convert the registration to the PhD category.

Applicants should have an Arts or Social Science degree with at least upper second class Honours from a UK university (or an equivalent overseas qualification), and a demonstrated knowledge of Hebrew or Yiddish, or another appropriate language. Candidates for a research degree may begin their programme at the beginning of either of the two teaching terms (i.e. September/October or January). Prior to applying for a research degree, candidates should consult with the Graduate Tutor, who will advise them on the availability of research supervision within the department.

Departmental Resources

Graduate Tutor

The Graduate Tutor is the most important source of information and advice for all graduate students and degree programme applicants. The Graduate Tutor advises MA candidates in selecting their classes and in choosing a thesis supervisor, in registering for examinations and in organising written work in lieu of examinations. The Graduate Tutor guides research degree candidates in the selection of a Thesis Supervisor. The Graduate Tutor is available for consultation on any academic problems or difficulties encountered by graduates. All graduate students should consult with the Graduate Tutor during Registration and at least once in each term.

Graduate Seminar

During each of the two teaching terms the department organises a graduate seminar presented by members of staff, invited guests, and students in the department. The seminar is normally held bi-weekly during term-time. The full programme will be available at the beginning of term from the Departmental Office.

Institute of Jewish Studies

The Institute of Jewish Studies, an autonomous body within the department, offers a year-long lecture series which brings to the department international specialists in all areas of Jewish Studies. The Institute also sponsors an annual academic conference. The themes of recent conferences have included the Dead Sea Scrolls, Aramaic language and literature, the Jews of Eastern Europe, the Hasidic movement, Jewish Intellectual History and Philosophy, Isaac Bashevis Singer, the Jews of Italy, the Jews of the Low Countries, and the recent archaeology of the Middle East.

British Association for Jewish Studies (BAJS)

The British Association for Jewish Studies (BAJS) is the principal professional organisation for those with an academic interest in any aspect of Jewish Studies. BAJS publishes an information bulletin which includes notice of fellowships, conferences, and professional activities. It stages an annual conference in the summer, and invites graduate papers. BAJS provides financial assistance for graduates to attend this conference. Any graduate who would like to join BAJS should notify the Head of Department, who will nominate them for membership.

The Graduate School at UCL

Graduate students have access to the resources of the Graduate School of UCL. The Graduate School offers induction courses for new students, language training, classes for advanced research students, and interdisciplinary research seminars. The Graduate School also provides information on sources of research funding and invites application from MPhil and PhD candidates for the UCL Graduate School Research Scholarships. Students of the department have successfully competed for these funds since the inception of the programme.

Please apply to the Graduate School for information and application forms for The Graduate School Research Projects Funds and Language Courses for Research Students.

Funding Your Degree

British students generally apply for British Academy Studentships for both the MA and MPhil/PhD programmes. Awards are normally available only for candidates of up to 27 years of age who have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years (excluding periods of higher education) immediately prior to graduate studies, who have obtained a first degree at good Honours standard, and who are sponsored or recommended for an award by university authorities. Candidates wishing to be considered for these awards should in the first instance seek information about them from the colleges and universities in which they are currently studying. There are also a number of graduate awards available for graduates of the University of London. Details may be obtained from the Academic Registrar, University of London, Senate House, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU.

A considerable number of students use their own funds or study on a part-time basis while employed. The flexibility of many graduate degree programmes enables part-time students to continue their studies while carrying many additional responsibilities. Part-time students complete the MA degrees over two years and research degrees over a longer period (minimum registration of three years). There are also limited opportunities for affiliate study for students with special interests or who wish to qualify for a graduate programme. The fees for affiliate students are the same as for degree students. For further advice on part-time or affiliate studies, prospective students should consult the Graduate Tutor.

There is limited funding available for the MA in Holocaust Studies. Students should refer to the booklet entitled Sources of Funding for Graduate Students, published by UCL.

The Departmental Administrator also keeps a list of organisations which support advanced study in Jewish Studies.

Overseas Students

Overseas students are highly valued for their contribution to the intellectual life of the College, and the department is committed to observing general principles of openness and fairness in respect of the recruitment and treatment of all students. Students from all parts of the world have come to study Hebrew and Jewish History.

A majority of overseas research students and a significant number of overseas taught degree programme students are funded by major awards from sponsoring bodies. Although overseas students do not normally have access to the major UK research councils, funding may be obtained through various British Government and foreign government awards. Overseas applicants may, in the first instance, wish to contact their local British Council Office, the Cultural Section of the British Embassy or their own Ministry of Education for information about the financial aid available for study in Britain.

There are many sources of scholarships, some country specific, such as the Marshall and Fulbright scholarships for students from the USA and the Sino-British Scholarship Scheme for students from the People's Republic of China, and others available from sources such as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the European Commission. However, in all cases, students should be aware that application deadlines for many scholarships are often very early and that if they require funds for study they should seek the appropriate information at least 12 months in advance of their study.

Details of financial assistance available to students from the UK, EU and overseas is provided in a UCL booklet called Sources of Funding for Graduate Students available from the Admissions and General Enquiries Office at UCL.

Research in Hebrew and Jewish Studies at UCL

Michael Berkowitz

Zionism, German Jewry and Modern Jewish History

Dr Berkowitz has recently published a study of Zionist Culture and West European Jewry before the First World War, which reflects his interest in the symbolism and iconography of the Zionist movement. He is at work on a study of images of Jews and Jewish criminality in the modern world. Dr Berkowitz directs the departmental MA degree in Holocaust Studies.

Hugh Denman

Yiddish linguistics and literature

Mr Denman is completing A Guide to Yiddish Literature, which will provide up-to-date bibliographical and biographical information on modern Yiddish writers. He is also editing a volume of The Linguistic and Cultural Atlas of Ashkenazic Jewry, as well as the proceedings of the International IBS conference. In addition, he teaches on the UCL Master's programme in Comparative Literature.

Mark J Geller

Ancient Near East, Hellenistic Jewish History

Professor Geller is a specialist on cuneiform literary texts dealing with magic and medicine. He also works on Jewish Aramaic incantation bowls and Talmudic Medicine. His most recent work explores the Babylonian cuneiform background to early Talmudic science.

John D Klier

History of East European Jewry

Professor Klier is completing a study of Russian policy towards the Jews in the last decades of the nineteenth century. He is also researching the history of Jews in the pre-revolutionary Russian Army. He has recently published a guide to Jewish materials in East European archives. His most recent publication is Imperial Russia's Jewish Question, 1855-1881.

Naftali Loewenthal

Jewish Spirituality

Dr Loewenthal is a specialist on Jewish Spirituality, especially the Habad School of Hasidism. He is the author of Communicating the Infinite: the Emergence of the Habad School, and is currently completing a book on Hasidism and Modernity.

Ada Rapoport-Albert

Jewish Mysticism, eighteenth and nineteenth century Hasidism

Dr Rapoport-Albert has recently published Hasidism Re-appraised, a collective work which makes a major contribution to the understanding of the Hasidic Movement. She has published widely on the general topic of women in Judaism. She is completing an extensive monograph on Hasidism.

Tsila Ratner

Modern Hebrew Literature

Dr Ratner is a specialist on contemporary Hebrew Literature both poetry and prose. She has published a book on the Hebrew poet Y Hurvitz and contributed all entries relating to Israeli women writers in Bloomsbury's Guide to Women's Literature. She has published various papers in Israeli literary magazines.

Sara Sviri

Medieval Jewish Studies

Dr Sviri's research bridges the Judaic and Arabic spiritual traditions. Much of her published research has appeared in journals and books devoted to Sufism. Her book The Taste of Hidden Things: Images on the Sufi Path was published in America recently. She is at work on a monograph study of the Judeo-Islamic spiritual tradition.

Leon Yudkin

Modern Jewish Literature

Dr Yudkin is exploring Modernist trends in twentieth century literary history, particularly in the works of Jewish writers. His most recent work is A Home Within: Varieties of Jewish Expressions in Modern Fiction. He is the editor of the series, Jews in Modern Culture.

Useful Addresses

UCL's Graduate Applications Pack including a Graduate School Prospectus and application form is available from:

Admissions and General Enquiries Office

University College London

Gower Street

London WC1E 6BT

Tel: 0171-380 7365

Fax: 0171-380 7380

E-mail: degree-info@ucl.ac.uk

Further information about degree programmes and admission:

The Graduate Tutor

Department of Hebrew and Jewish Studies

University College London

Gower Street

London WC1E 6BT

Tel: 0171-380 7171

Fax: 0171-209 1026

E-mail: uclhhjs@ucl.ac.uk

Website: http//www.ucl.ac.uk/hebrew-jewish/

College Houses and Halls of Residence:

UCL Student Residence Office

117 Gower Street

London WC1E 6AP

Tel: 0171-380 7077

Fax: 0171-383 0407

E-mail: residences@ucl.ac.uk

Lodgings and furnished rooms and flats:

University of London Accommodation Office

Senate House

Malet Street

London WC1E 7HU

Go to the UCL home page Go to the Jewish Studies home page

Comments to uclhhjs@ucl.ac.uk Page last revised 12/12/00